Smith is rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports Composite rankings and has an offer sheet to prove it, as Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan State, Ohio State and Tennessee are just a few of the schools to offer him a scholarship.

The Georgia native broke down his decision to 247Sports immediately after making his choice public.

“First, coach (Jon) Hoke and the new defensive scheme he is putting in,” Smith said. “Also, I just love South Carolina. I love the facilities, the place, Columbia, everything.”

It appears having a defensive mind with NFL roots is already paying dividends for the Gamecocks. The academics in Columbia also played a factor in the decision.

“Once I started looking at academics, scheme, everything, then I knew South Carolina was the choice.”

Smith plans on making an impact and taking the Gamecocks to new levels in the future: “If I keep working hard I can see myself getting a lot of reps and making a big impact. Then eventually become a starter and help my team win a national championship.”